What is GSM network?

GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM is the most popular system for mobile communication throughout the world. It is estimated that 80% of the globe uses the GSM standard. Some sources claim that 1.5 billion people uses GSM standard for communication. It is capable of international roaming between various mobile phone operators which provides subscribers with flexibility of using their phone in many parts of the world. GSM networks are also known as Second Generation (2G) mobile phone system. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) are two technologies used in GSM for data transfer i.e. via Internet.

What is 3G network?

3G is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunications services fulfilling specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. The 3G network includes facilities like wide area wireless voice telephone, mobile internet access, video call and mobile TV. The main requirement of 3G network is to have the capacity to run both speech and data services simultaneously. The following are typically branded 3G,

1. The UMTS system

The CDMA 2000 system